Brooks & Dunn to host CMA awards

“After the great job they did in 2004, Kix (Brooks) and Ronnie (Dunn) were the natural choice to host country music’s biggest night from the world’s biggest stage — New York City,” CMA Executive Director Ed Benson said Friday.

The CMA had previously announced that the show would relocate to New York from Nashville for one year. It returns to Nashville for its 40th anniversary in 2006.

The 39th annual awards show will air on CBS 8 p.m.-11 p.m. Eastern Nov. 15 from Madison Square Garden.

Benson called Brooks & Dunn consummate entertainers.

“They are the total package — humor, talent, credibility and artistic integrity,” he said.

Brooks joked about the announcement. “It’s great to know we didn’t screw up too bad last year.”

The duo’s many hits include “Red Dirt Road,” “My Maria” and “Boot Scootin’ Boogie.”